Recent Water Damage Posts

Preventing Frozen Pipes in the Dearborn Area

Pipe insulation is an inexpensive way to help protect pipes in the winter. Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

So far the winter of 2018-19 has been very kind to Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, but Metro Detroiters know the mild winter won’t last. SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SE offers some tips to help you escape the winter misery of broken pipes. With a bit of planning and effort, broken pipes can be avoided.

Inside the house:

Always keep the temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep your fireplace flue closed when you are not using it. Be sure to open it before use.

Open the cabinets a bit to let warm air flow under sinks ad around pipes.

Leave the hot and cold faucets dripping a tiny bit to keep the water flowing.

Be sure to disconnect all hoses from spigots. Ideally, shut off the valves to these spigots.

Keep an eye out for snow and ice damage near the roof line, gutters and downspouts.

If you are out of the house for a few days, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your place. A flooded house can begin to grow mold in a few hours.

Finally, make sure everyone in your home knows how to shut off the main water valve in case of an emergency.

In the winter months it is important inspect your home’s gutters and downspouts for ice dams. Ice dams forms when heated air from inside the home melts snow on the roof. The melted snow then runs down the roof until it is trapped behind ice at the gutters. Since the trapped water cannot run through the gutter as intended, it backs up under the shingles. This water can cause structural damage and promote mold growth.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SESERVPRO® of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from water, flood, wind, storm, fire and smoke damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Steps to Reduce Water Damage

When water causes problems in your home SERVPRO of Dearborn / Dearborn Heights SE is always available to help.

Whether it’s a leaky faucet, backed up drain or flooded basement, water can cause all sorts of damage to your residential property. The damage and problems can be immediate ruining your furniture and mementos. The damage may also be long term causing mold growth or even structural damage and health issues.

Here are the first steps to take when dealing with rogue water on your property.

Stop the flow of water! If the water is coming from a broken pipe, appliance or water heater, shut off the main water line to your home.

Turn off the power! If your home is flooded shut off the electricity and gas at the main source. This is only needed in the event of flooding. Leaks and standing puddles do not require this step.

Do not handle electrical appliances! Unless you are properly insulated do not touch any electrical appliances. If you must stand in water to turn off the electricity, please consult a licensed electrician.

Assess and document the damage! Before starting to cleanup document the damage with photographs. Use a ruler to show the depth of the water in photographs or video. This is important for any insurance claims.

Rescue valuable items! If it is safe to enter the damaged area, find and remove important items and documents like identity and insurance papers, jewelry, and cash.

Get rid of standing water! The longer water sits, the more damage it does. If the floor drains are not blocked, the waters of a flooded basement will likely recede via the drains. However, it is possible you will need SERVPRO’s professional pumping equipment to get the water out.

Keep in mind any water that has come up through the drains is dirty. Even if appears clear it contains potentially dangerous microbes and pathogens. Do not let children, pets, elderly or those with health issues into the water. Healthy adults who must enter the water should wear proper protective gear including rubber boots, gloves, and a mask or respirator.

Sewage Risks

Dearborn homes often experience sewer back ups. Sewage in your home isn’t just gross it is potentially dangerous. It contains bacteria and viruses, many of which can cause disease. Many people underestimate the seriousness of these hazards. Those especially at risk of exposure are the very young, elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system or respiratory problems.

Some important facts to remember if you encounter a sewage back up:

Sewage contains a variety of disease causing pathogens including bacteria, viruses and parasites.

It is not safe to stay in a building flooded unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and airflow controlled to prevent particles from spreading.

Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone less two or greater than sixty years of age, pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on certain medications or chemotherapy.

Highly absorbent materials, such as carpet and its padding, upholstery, wicker, paper or fabrics that can't be washed in hot water for at least 10 minutes, should be properly disposed.

Sewage saturated building materials like drywall and insulation most also be removed.

There is a high degree of risk when working with sewage. Special precautions must be taken when handling damaged materials and while cleaning. Let the professionally trained and equipped crews at SERVPRO of Dearborn dry and sanitize your home or office. In addition to equipment, skills and training, our crew is up to date on vaccinations including Hepatitis B, which is often spread in sewage. Do not risk your health or that of a loved one. Call us to help. We are always available.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn SERVPRO® of Dearborn provides 24-hour disaster mitigation and cleanup service to Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale and the greater Metro Detroit area. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire, water, soot, smoke, biohazard and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Springtime Rain in Dearborn

Springtime in Dearborn, Michigan can be a wild ride. When warm, moist air and cool, dry air collide, it brings thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and flooding. If not properly prepared, any of these can cause extensive damage to your home or business.

Here are 5 ways to prepare your property for storms. These tips can save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in damage.

Clean your gutters. Clear debris from your gutters so the rain can easily flow off your roof away from your home. Water which can not pass through gutters, pools on your roof and around the foundation.

Back up your sump pump. Sump pumps can get overloaded in heavy rain. Make sure your sump pump has a battery backup just in case the electricity goes out. You might also consider installing a second, battery operated pump that will come on if the main one fails.

Trim your trees. Falling trees can cause some of the worst storm damage. Trees with dead limbs or disproportionate growth can fall in high winds. Dearborn neighborhoods have a lot of mature trees. Maintaining trees protects you, your property and the trees.

Grade your yard. Water pooling around your home jeopardizes your foundation. Ensuring that your yard slopes away from your home will keep rainwater from sitting by your foundation. Most lawn companies offer this service.

Gather emergency supplies. American Red Cross recommends keeping a three-day supply of food and water for your family, and a seven-day supply of any medications. Your emergency kit should also include a battery operated radio and a car adapter for your cell phone.

Do you have water problems ? Call SERVPRO of Dearborn for help – (313) 359-3457

Water Categories

Category 1, often called clean water, is water which does not pose substantial harm to humansCategory 2, often called gray water is water has a significant level of contaminationCategory 3, often called black water, is water is grossly contaminated

As a general rule of thumb, Category 1 water is clean water from leaking pipes or appliances. It is a nuisance, but rarely harmful. When addressed quickly, the carpets and other floors may suffer very little impact.

When clean water is left standing, runs through structural elements, or flows over and/or through debris, it becomes Category 2 water. This water has potential to be dangerous to humans and animals. Special precautions are required to clean this.

Category 3 water has the highest level of contamination. It is grossly unsanitary and can cause severe health effects. This is water which has come from flooded streams or rivers, sewer back ups, or overflowing toilets. Stagnant water supporting any sort of bacterial growth is also considered black water.

SERVPRO of Dearborn has the expertise to mitigate any type of water in your home or business regardless of its category. Our staff is accredited by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets the standards for the cleaning industry and water damage restoration training.

SERVPRO® of Dearborn provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire, water, mold, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Water Cleanup Process

Water damage is caused by many different sources, with varying degrees of potential danger and damage. With so many different materials and surfaces in any house, many homeowners wonder how SERVPRO® of Dearborn handles a large water damage cleanup. Our technicians are trained in controlling and repairing water damage in Dearborn area homes.

Identifying the Source and Water Type The first step is properly identifying the water type and its source. Determining whether it is came from a storm, flood, sewer back up or burst pipe is important. Whatever the source, it must be stopped before we can begin working to restore the property. Depending on the source of the water, it is categorized as clean, gray, or black. Each type has its own unique safety and cleanup protocol.

Surveying Damage and Mold Once we understand what type of water and its damage we have, our technicians search the home with moisture detection equipment to find out what has been affected. Additionally, we look for signs of mold growth to determine which issue is the most pressing.

Furniture and Water Removal The next step is removing the furniture from affected areas, and pumping out water if necessary. Our industrial-grade machinery pumps water from the home with either a portable or a truck-mounted pump.

Drying and Odor Treatments Once the water is removed we bring in commercial drying and deodorizing equipment. This ensures the affected area is dry thus preventing new mold growth and eliminating odors. Any affected furniture and household items like clothing is typically cleaned and dried at our facility. We can also store your items until all the repairs and renovations are complete.

Carpet Removal and Final Cleaning If possible we try to save the carpet. In some fortunate cases we are able to dry, clean and sanitize the carpet and padding. In other cases, part or all of the carpeting in the affected area will need replacing. We will remove and dispose of any damaged carpet and padding. The removal of this allows us to be certain the sub-floor and wall bases are also dry and sanitized. Once your floor is resurfaced as you wish, we will return any of your items we may have stored for you.

About SERVPRO of DearbornSERVPRO® of Dearborn provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire, water, soot, smoke, wind and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Freezing Weather and Your Home

Metro Detroit’s freezing temperatures show no sign of relenting. SERVPRO of Dearborn has some tips to help homeowners and businesses stave off the damaging effects of this historic weather front. Frozen and ruptured pipes can be avoided with a little forethought.

Turn both hot and cold taps on just enough to keep them slowly dripping.

Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm room air to circulate around the pipes.

Disconnect all hoses from outside spigots. If possible, shut off valves to these spigots.

Keep your home’s temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Show everyone in your home how to operate the main water shutoff valve in case of emergency.

If you rent a home or business space, have contact information for your maintenance department.

Keep the fireplace flue closed when not in use. Be certain it is open before using the fireplace.

If you leave your home for even a few days, have neighbor check on your place. Broke pipes cause can cause catastrophic flooding and mold damage in a few hours.

Check your gutters and downspouts for ice dams.

One final but important tip, be sure to walk around your home checking the gutters and downspouts for ice damns. An ice dam forms when heated air melts snow on the roof. The melt runs downward until it becomes trapped behind still-frozen ice near the gutters. When the trapped water cannot run into the gutter system, it can back up under the shingles and into the structure causing water and structural damage, as well as potential mold growth.

About SERVPRO of DearbornSERVPRO® of Dearborn provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from water, flood, wind, storm, fire and smoke damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Water Emergencies Great and Less

SERVPRO of Dearborn is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today – 313-359-4357

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused and stressed. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dearborn has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Dearborn

SERVPRO of Dearborn specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Pipes freeze due to a one or a combination of three reasons:1) sudden drops in temperature 2) poor insulation 3) thermostats set too low.

A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold. This disaster can be prevented by taking a few simple steps.

Before The Cold

Insulate your home's pipes. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.

Be certain to disconnect garden hoses. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

During The Cold

Damage is still possible even if you’ve taken preventative steps. Here are a few more steps you can take:

Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during day and night. Turning the thermostat down raises the risk of pipe freezing in the overnight cold.

Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If You Are Lucky Enough to Leave The Cold

Set the thermostat no lower than 55°F.

Ask a friend to check on your house daily.

If possible, shut off and drain the water system. Please be aware if you have a fire suppression sprinkler system in your home, this may deactivate the system.

If Your Pipes Freeze

Don’t panic. Frozen pipes don’t necessarily mean broken pipes.

Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. It is a fire hazard.

If no water comes out of your taps, leave the faucets in the on position and call a licensed plumber.

If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house, but leave the water faucets turned on.

Faster to your Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Water Damage Event

Second story water leaks can cause damage on every floor of your home or office.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does SERVPRO of Dearborn. We provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Dearborn arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps minimize damage and cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (313) 359-4357

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down

Metal surfaces begin to tarnish

Furniture begins to swell and crack

Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain

A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread

Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp

Metal begins to rust and corrode

Furniture warps and shows signs of mold

Paint begins to blister

Wood flooring swells and warps

Serious biohazard contamination is possible

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive

SERVPRO of Dearborn specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Dearborn's 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

SERVPRO of Dearborn is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today – 313-359-4357

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dearborn has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Has the cause of the water damage been addressed?

Is there electricity available on-site?

About SERVPRO of Dearborn

SERVPRO of Dearborn specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after fire, smoke or water damage. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to quickly respond to any time of disaster. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces overall restoration costs.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

Dearborn and the nearby area floods frequently. When storms and flooding hit our region, we can scale our resources to handle any type of weather disaster. We can access equipment and highly qualified personnel from a network of 1,650 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 313-359-4357

Dearborn's Frequent Flooding Issue

The mighty Rouge River makes Dearborn and its surrounding communities beautiful. On occasion it’s a little too much of a good thing; when the Rouge floods, so do many of our basements. SERVPRO of Dearborn is a trusted leader in the cleanup and restoration industry. Our highly skilled technicians using specialized equipment can handle any size flood. Locally owned and operated, we provide 24-hour emergency service and are committed to immediate response to your residential and commercial needs.

Commercial Fire Damage

Coping with the aftermath of a commercial building fire is stressful for all business owners. Property and equipment damage, document loss, and temporary closures are just a few of the issues facing owners after a fire. While the first instinct is to clean up and get back to daily operations, returning to normalcy is a very complex and involved process. SERVPRO of Dearborn helps businesses get back to day to day operations by efficiently cleaning affected structures and fire damaged items.

Our fire cleaning services include:

Structure cleaning including soot removal and deodorization

Pack out, cleaning and storage of contents until fire clean up is completed